It took us just over two and a half hours to do 138 kms (86 miles).
Istanbul is one of the world's "big" cities. They say the population is around 15 million. But it's pretty spread out, and almost the entire drive was built up.
Scenery along the way.
This guy was not broken down... he was actually moving when this photo was taken!
Shipping yards.
Lots of ships in the bay.
Traffic was actually moving along okay most of the time.
It's looking a bit congested up ahead.
Lots of interesting buildings.
It took about an hour to do the last 20 kms (13 miles).
We were headed to a marina that offers overnight parking for motorhomes and vans. They even have electric if you need it. Turns out to be a great spot for visiting Istanbul if you're prepared to put up with the traffic to get there! I will take some photos another day.
But, we aren't staying in Max.
A friend from our hometown of Ottawa lives here in Istanbul. She's actually the ex-wife of one of my long time friends who I get together with once a year. So I had contacted her and it turns out that she lives only 2.5 kms (about a mile) from where the marina parking is. Which is really quite a coincidence since Istanbul is such a large city. She had invited us to stay in her apartment for our visit here.
So she and her dog Gus came over to meet us, and we walked from there back to her place.
We haven't seen Cheryl in probably 30 years. But of course we had no shortage of conversation. I only took one photo since we arrived...
Cheryl and her dog Gus enjoying the afternoon sun on her balcony.
We sat out and had some beer and wine and she made dinner in for us. We'll make up for that over the next couple of days though... she's got some Turkish restaurant plans for us! We don't eat out very often, but we'll make up for it while we're here!
We're headed out exploring... have a great day!
Yesterday's drive 138 kms (86 miles).
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And in Canada...
So how did Cheryl end up in Istanbul?
ReplyDeleteCheryl is a drama teacher and she ended up in Istanbul because she applied to an international teaching program and through that was offered a job working at an English speaking academy here in Istanbul. She has been working at the same academy for the past six years.
Deleteare those "living walls" along the highway?
ReplyDeleteYes, they are and they were beautiful!
DeleteIt's great to meet up with friends from home while in travel status. How peaceful the city looks when across the Black Sea things are not so good. Yes, how did Cheryl end up in Istanbul?
ReplyDeleteIt is wonderful to meet up with friends from home. I can't believe it took us this long to come and visit Cheryl.
DeleteCheryl is a drama teacher and she ended up in Istanbul because she applied to an international teaching program and through that was offered a job working at an English speaking academy here in Istanbul.
I love Cherl's dog, Gus! He looks like he is loving basking in the sun. Ah, what a life!
ReplyDeleteGus, is a sweetheart! He was a street dog at one time and is just loving his life with Cheryl. :-)
DeleteWhat great comments you get! I can't get over the broken down truck that wasn't broken down! Holy moly, how can that be legal? Now that I receive daily reports again, thanks gmail and Kevin for your help.It's wonderful to tag along with you again. Waiting patiently for the Cheryl answer.
ReplyDeleteK~
Thank you Kathryn, we do get some wonderful comments. We have great readers of our blog. :-)
DeleteAt first we thought that that was the metal side of the truck that was bent back but it turned out to be a vinyl material that is more like a curtain on the side of the truck, still I am not sure that it was supposed to be like that as he was driving along.
Cheryl is a drama teacher and she ended up in Istanbul because she applied to an international teaching program and through that was offered a job working at an English speaking academy here in Istanbul.
I LOVE that picture of Cheryl and Gus. Definitely "Living the Dream". :)
ReplyDeleteI like that picture of the two of them too! :-)
Delete